Page 30 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

Chapter I: Introduction

“Globalization has not only lost its promise but is embittering many. The forces representing
human solidarity and community have no choice but to step in quickly to convince the
disenchanted masses that, as the banner of the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre proclaims,
'Another world is possible!' It is.”

- Dr. Walden Bello

Background

I see public discourse incitingly as one of the most important aspects of reviving our

democracy. Through this dissertation, I will be exploring what defines public discourse and mine

this insight into its significance in democracy, fostering societal ideals such as egalitarianism and

the potential use of dialogue for creating ideal futures that begin by resolving crises such as

mitigating climate change, crafting economic fairness, social justice, etc. In this realm we can

explore strategies for honing successful engagement. Before writing specifically about the

Community Conversation as a trend lets first define what is public discourse. Anyone paying

attention to American news programs, has easily noticed that there is a growing divide in the US

around many social and political issues. The country's two major political parties (Republicans

and Democrats) seem to be having considerable difficulty cooperating and the divide seems to be

worsening faster. Some say this indicative of discontent found within a degrading social system,

ageism, adaptation of new technologies, poor education and the failures of capitalism itself. This,

in many ways, reflects how the American public is affected by the state of communication when

it comes to differences of opinion. These big ideas involve everyone yet often exclude input, yet

what can be described as a national narrative influences opinion polls and can be dissected within

public discourse. In technical terms, discourse is a fancy word for a dialog or discussion. For

example, if as a common denominator for interfacing you find yourself debating the value of a

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